<b>The Snorer:</b> It’s best to always travel with a good pair of noise-canceling earphones. Otherwise, you can ask the flight attendant if you can relocate to another seat.

<b>The Snorer:</b> It’s best to always travel with a good pair of noise-canceling earphones. Otherwise, you can ask the flight attendant if you can relocate to another seat.

Photo: Izabela Habur / Getty Images

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<b>The Seat Kicker</b>: If a child is kicking the back of your seat, simply turn around and glance at the child and the parent. The parent will oftentimes get the hint and ask the child to stop. If this doesn’t work, kindly speak up and ask the child to stop kicking your seat. less

<b>The Seat Kicker</b>: If a child is kicking the back of your seat, simply turn around and glance at the child and the parent. The parent will oftentimes get the hint and ask the child to stop. If this ... more

Photo: Oktay Ortakcioglu / Getty Images/Vetta

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<b>The Surly Flight Attendant</b>: It’s best not to challenge a flight attendant unless you want to be thrown off the plane. If you encounter a rude flight attendant, jot down his name, your flight number, and email a letter to the company as soon as possible. Better yet, share your grievance on Twitter for faster results. less

<b>The Surly Flight Attendant</b>: It’s best not to challenge a flight attendant unless you want to be thrown off the plane. If you encounter a rude flight attendant, jot down his name, your flight number, ... more

Photo: Hero Images / Getty Images/Hero Images

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<b>The Space Invader</b>: If this person invades your personal space with his newspaper or carry-on bag, say something like, “It seems that these planes are getting smaller and smaller. Would you mind moving your arm (or bag) over just a touch?” less

<b>The Space Invader</b>: If this person invades your personal space with his newspaper or carry-on bag, say something like, “It seems that these planes are getting smaller and smaller. Would you mind moving ... more

Photo: Paul Austring / Getty Images/First Light

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<b>The Armrest Hogger</b>: If the person next to you commandeers your armrest, simply inch your way in by placing just your elbow next to theirs. This should leave plenty of space for your greedy neighbor’s elbow. Armrest rules: When you have three seats next to each other, the person in the middle seat gets to claim the armrests. less

<b>The Armrest Hogger</b>: If the person next to you commandeers your armrest, simply inch your way in by placing just your elbow next to theirs. This should leave plenty of space for your greedy neighbor’s ... more

Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images/Westend61

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<b>The Unruly Child</b>: Never discipline someone else’s child. Your best bet is to move to another seat, if available, or alert a flight attendant. Never try to intervene yourself.

<b>The Unruly Child</b>: Never discipline someone else’s child. Your best bet is to move to another seat, if available, or alert a flight attendant. Never try to intervene yourself.

Photo: Henrik Sorensen / Getty Images

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<b>The Sleeper</b>: If you need to use the lavatory but your aisle seatmate is sleeping, gently tap him on his shoulder and say, "Excuse me." No other explanation is necessary. Never attempt to crawl over him. less

<b>The Sleeper</b>: If you need to use the lavatory but your aisle seatmate is sleeping, gently tap him on his shoulder and say, "Excuse me." No other explanation is necessary. Never attempt to crawl over ... more

Photo: Jason Hetherington / Getty Images

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<b>The Chatterbox</b>: If your neighbor strikes up a conversation, be polite and exchange a few pleasantries. Then say something like, “It was nice speaking with you, but if you don’t mind, I have to get some work done (or some much-needed rest).” Closing your eyes generally does the trick. Note: Always travel with earphones and eyeshades. less

<b>The Chatterbox</b>: If your neighbor strikes up a conversation, be polite and exchange a few pleasantries. Then say something like, “It was nice speaking with you, but if you don’t mind, I have to get ... more

Photo: Bernard van Berg / Getty Images

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<b>The Seat Recliner</b>: If someone reclines too far while you’re trying to eat, work on your laptop, or watch a movie, you have two options. 1. You can recline your seat for more space or 2. Say something like, “Would you mind pulling your seat forward a little bit.” The person in front of you most likely doesn’t know she’s inconveniencing you. Note: When you recline your seat, always glance back and make sure the person behind you isn’t using his tray table to eat or work. <a href="www.EtiquetteExpert.com">Click here for more from etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitemore.</a> less

<b>The Seat Recliner</b>: If someone reclines too far while you’re trying to eat, work on your laptop, or watch a movie, you have two options. 1. You can recline your seat for more space or 2. Say something ... more

Photo: Digital Vision. / Getty Images

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How to deal with the most annoying people on your flight

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There’s something about air travel that tends to bring out the worst in people. Or, as former flight attendant and current etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore puts it, “People these days seem to forget to pack their manners when they travel.”

Between the various inconveniences that pile up at the airport to the cramped quarters of the plane itself, air travel is pretty much synonymous with stress at this point. But people, it’s called compartmentalizing! (And no, we’re not talking about shoving more in the overhead bins.) Just because you’re grumpy doesn’t mean you should take it out on the guy next to you, even if he is a bit of an armrest hog.

Easier said than done, sure, but Whitmore, author and founder of “The Protocol School of Palm Beach,” reminds us that there are things we can do to avoid letting our tempers flare:

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and get through any long lines.

Eat something before your get on the airplane or bring food with you.

When all else fails, be patient. The airlines are not always responsible for all delays.

Keep calm. Don’t take your anger out on an employee or fellow passenger. Put your grievance in writing.

Take everything in stride. You’ll eventually get to your destination.

So what if you still find yourself provoked by an irritating in-flight encounter? In the gallery above, find Whitman’s best etiquette advice for dealing with the most annoying passenger habits without losing your cool. Click here for etiquette tools from Whitmore.